From BBC Sport · · 1m 50s
Craig Bellamy's Wales Win Marks Turning Point
Wales' win over Norway signals potential turning point for Bellamy's coaching tenure.
In brief
Wales' win over Norway signals potential turning point for Bellamy's coaching tenure. Wales beat Norway 2-1 in Nations League A, securing first win in seven games and first victory over a top-ranked side since 2023, with Bellamy acknowledging the need for improvement after recent struggles. Originally reported by BBC…
Wales win Norway
Wales beat Norway 2-1 in Nations League A, securing first win in seven games and first victory over a top-ranked side since 2023.
“Wales 2-1 Norway”
Bellamy's win after summer struggles
Bellamy won nine of 23 games since replacing Rob Page in July 2024, following World Cup disappointment and Burnley interest.
“Craig Bellamy has won nine of his 23 games in charge of Wales since replacing Rob Page in July 2024”
Fan criticism of Bellamy
Fans criticized Bellamy for lack of improvement after World Cup exit and Burnley interest, with some suggesting he needed to go.
“I think people were down on him after Bosnia, the way the game panned out and seeing mistakes we made on the night we'd made earlier in the campaign”
Bellamy's response
Bellamy admitted he needed to improve, acknowledging the pressure after fans felt he was 'talking a good game' without results.
“We need to improve; I need to improve”
Win rekindles fan confidence
The win over Norway rekindled fan confidence, with players like Neco Williams and Dan James contributing to the victory.
“Neco Williams and Dan James”
Bellamy's identity meeting
Bellamy held an 'identity meeting' with players to re-establish his initial coaching style after recent struggles.
“Bellamy admitted to having an 'identity meeting' with players to try and re-establish what had been the hallmarks of his initial time in charge”
Win boosts Nations League campaign
The win gives Wales a chance to remain in Nations League top tier and potentially gain seeding for Euro 2028 qualifiers.
“Wales v Denmark Nations League Group A4 Sunday, 4 October, 19:45 BST Cardiff City Stadium”
Fan reaction to win
Fans celebrated the win, with former teammate Joe Ledley noting the return of Bellamy's initial style and energy.
“I think people have wanted to see it back but they saw it here”
Next test against Denmark
Wales face Denmark in Nations League Group A4 on Sunday, October 4, 19:45 BST at Cardiff City Stadium.
“Wales v Denmark Nations League Group A4 Sunday, 4 October, 19:45 BST Cardiff City Stadium”
Turning point debate
Bellamy hopes the win is a turning point after recent struggles, with former teammate Robert Earnshaw calling it a 'statement win' for the team.
“Craig needed it, the team needed it, I think the whole nation needed it”
The one thing
Wales beat Norway 2-1 in Nations League A, securing first win in seven games and first victory over a top-ranked side since 2023, with Bellamy acknowledging the need for improvement after recent struggles.
